The touch between their brows was light and fleeting, yet impossibly tender.
A fine, dense affection—almost tangible—seemed to flow from him into her.
Tang Wanwan stayed in his embrace, recalling what she had just overheard.
He had said… she was a girl he had watched grow up, and he harbored no impure thoughts toward her.
When she heard that, her first reaction had been an almost guilty relief.
From the moment she learned Jiang Yanzhi was the "antidote" that could restore her health, she had begun wavering about the feelings she held in front of her now.
She wanted so badly for every day ahead to be like today—clear-headed, energetic, and healthy.
But… she truly didn't want to hurt Shen Xianyu.
Yet he had said he had no ill intentions toward her.
…Could she interpret that as meaning he felt no romantic love for her?
That would explain why, later, when he met the "female lead" of the original plot, he would be unable to stop himself from falling for her.
If that were the case, then shouldn't she be able to be with Jiang Yanzhi without hesitation, let him "dump" her five times if need be, all in exchange for a healthy body?
After all, she couldn't possibly sacrifice her own health for a love she was destined to lose.
But right now—him holding her, kissing her so carefully—this didn't look anything like a man without feelings for her.
"Wanwan," the hand at her waist tightened slightly, pulling her from her thoughts.
Shen Xianyu's voice followed, still probing: "What were you two doing outside just now? Why didn't you come in?"
"…" Tang Wanwan was silent for a moment, then said, "What could we be doing? Just stepping out for some fresh air. We just happened to run into him."
She pointed toward the floor-to-ceiling windows nearby. "We each stood on opposite sides, didn't even speak to each other. We were just about to head back when you opened the door."
Shen Xianyu followed her gaze.
A bright, empty corridor stretched out, flanked by those windows.
They had been alone there for over ten minutes.
Even at the door, they had lingered, reluctant to go in.
"It hurts…" Tang Wanwan reached to pry his hand from her waist. "Shen Xianyu, let go."
He didn't release her, only loosened his grip a little.
"Wanwan," he looked into her eyes and said seriously, "You know I'm a jealous man."
He wasn't petty by nature.
But when it came to her, he couldn't tolerate even a grain of sand in his heart.
Ever since they were young, if she so much as looked a second too long at another boy, he would flare up.
Tang Wanwan's heart skipped, and she snapped back, her tone suddenly sharp, "Stop getting jealous over nothing!"
"…" Shen Xianyu paused, then nodded. "Alright, no more pointless jealousy."
Maybe he was being too sensitive, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something in her attitude toward him today was… off.
They hadn't seen each other in days, yet she wasn't the least bit warm toward him.
He wrapped his arms around her more tightly. "Wanwan, I've missed you so much."
"You…" Tang Wanwan pressed her lips together. "Didn't you just say you had no… feelings for me?"
She couldn't bring herself to say "impure thoughts," so she changed the words.
But he understood her all the same.
So—that was why she had been standing outside the door, not going in?
Not because of anything with Jiang Yanzhi…
Of course.
She had only just met Jiang Yanzhi. How could they possibly be at a point of reluctant parting already?
He had overthought it.
Shen Xianyu let out a long breath, slowly calming the sour ache in his chest.
In such a short span, she had managed to toss his heart into chaos—up, down, and sideways.
It was not a pleasant feeling, having his every joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness tied to one person's every move.
Feeling a little wronged, he buried his face in the curve of her neck, breathing her in. "You really don't know if I have feelings for you? I dream of you every night. I just… don't dare."
Her emotions couldn't handle big fluctuations—how could he dare do anything to her?
He didn't dare at all.
Even asking her for a kiss had taken him to the edge of restraint.
He explained softly, "What I said before… I only meant to stop them from teasing you all the time."
After all, his girl's face was thin—she couldn't stand that kind of teasing.
His lips brushed against the side of her neck.
It tickled.
Tang Wanwan pressed a hand to his shoulder and whispered, "Don't do that."
"…Alright," Shen Xianyu swallowed, lifting his head from her neck. His eyes were heavy with unmistakable desire.
When Tang Wanwan saw it, she instinctively tried to turn her face away.
But he was faster—he caught her chin and lowered his head, kissing her.
This was their second kiss.
The first had been on the day of her coming-of-age ceremony.
Under a sky full of stars, the boy who had rushed from the capital had pressed his lips to hers.
Carefully, tentatively—he had taken her first kiss.
But this time, an inexplicable anxiety made his kiss more urgent.
The moment her lips were pried open, Tang Wanwan's eyes flew wide.
And at that exact moment, the door to the private room opened again.
Her gaze collided with the person standing there—Gu Yunyi, who had come to see why they hadn't returned for so long.
Seeing the two of them locked in a deep kiss, Gu Yunyi froze, then quickly shut the door with a loud bang.
The sound made Tang Wanwan's whole body flush with shame and anger. Somehow, she found the strength to shove the man who was kissing her ever more deeply. "Shen Xianyu!"
She jerked her face away, breathing fast—like someone starved of oxygen and on the verge of fainting.
Shen Xianyu was startled, quickly holding her to steady her and help her catch her breath. "Are you alright?"
"…Gu Yunyi saw us!" she hissed, cheeks burning.
Saw him pinning her down and kissing her.
Now everyone inside probably knew what they had been doing outside.
Shen Xianyu had clearly heard the door slam, but he wasn't surprised.
He only gave a soft "Mhm" and said, "That's my fault. I couldn't hold back."
He admitted it readily—yet there was no hint of regret in his tone.
Tang Wanwan glared at him.
Her beautiful almond eyes were tinged with pink from his kiss.
Shen Xianyu couldn't resist that look. He dipped his head again, about to kiss her once more.
This time, she dodged.
"Control yourself!" she snapped.
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. In a husky voice, he asked, "Then shall we go home?"
…Home.
Tang Wanwan glanced at her watch—it was 9:30 p.m.
For most adults, the night had barely begun.
But for her routine, it really was time to head back.
This was the capital city.
And "home" meant his place.
The two of them, living under the same roof.
Until today—no, until this very afternoon—Tang Wanwan wouldn't have thought anything of it.
But now… she hesitated.
"Wanwan?" Shen Xianyu caught her hesitation, a faint frown forming.
"Alright," she took a deep breath. "Let's go."
In this city, he was the only person she knew.
If she didn't go to his place, where else could she go?
Besides, even if she wanted to part ways, she would still have to explain it to him.
And in the end, there was nothing he could—or would—do to her that crossed the line.
She remembered her suitcase was still in Jiang Yanzhi's car.
"Wait here," Shen Xianyu said, releasing her. He turned back toward the private room.
She thought he was only going to get the keys.
But to her surprise, Jiang Yanzhi followed him out.
That same cold, sharp face, tall figure, a set of keys dangling from his hand.
Seeing her puzzled expression, he said, "It's getting late. I'll go back with you."
(End of chapter)